TO: Members of the City Council
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
|
Fire |
Adrian Sheppard |
425-556-2201 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
|
Fire |
Stephen Healy |
Deputy Fire Chief |
TITLE:
title
Approval to Purchase Wildland Firefighting Personal Protective Equipment in the Amount of $150,000
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
The need to provide a complete protective wildland-specific personal protective equipment (PPE) ensemble has been identified in response to the changing conditions that our firefighters are now facing. These are predominantly related to two factors: climate and vegetation (fuel). Both affect the rate of spread and intensity of vegetation fires. While the topography is fixed, the climate conditions and fuels are changing. Firefighters in the State of Washington must wear wildland-specific PPE for any fire suppression operations lasting longer than 60 minutes (Washington State Administrative Code 296-305-07012,7).
The following list details the equipment required:
o Wildland Helmet 110
o Wildland Helmet Ear/Neck/Face Cover 110
o Wildland Helmet Goggles 110
o Wildland Coat 110
o Wildland Gloves 110
o Wildland Pants 110
o Wildland Boots 110
o Wildland Gear Bags 122
o Wildland Pack/Radio Harness 30
o Wildland Shelter 48
o Wildland Shelter Belt 48
o Wildland Shelter Trainers 21
body
☒ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☐ Receive Information ☐ Provide Direction ☒ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
N/A
• Required:
N/A
• Council Request:
N/A
• Other Key Facts:
Climate change; increased wildland firefighting operations
OUTCOMES:
The City and the community benefits when firefighters are appropriately equipped with wildland firefighting gear to extinguish wildland fires. Additionally, firefighters suffer fewer heat emergencies when suitably outfitted. The community benefits when fires are extinguished quickly. As a result of an equipped and rapid response, less smoke enters the community, and damage to the soil and vegetation decreases. Properly outfitted firefighters reduce water runoff; therefore, preventing damage to the groundwater. Property loss and the chance of people being injured or killed are significantly lessened.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
N/A
• Outreach Methods and Results:
N/A
• Feedback Summary:
N/A
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
$150,000.00
Approved in current biennial budget: ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
N/A
Budget Priority:
N/A
Other budget impacts or additional costs: ☒ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
If yes, explain:
The upfront cost to outfit firefighters is approximately $150,000, and there is a need to include the ongoing costs for subsequent outfitting new firefighters and replacing worn equipment. Helmets, jackets and pants have a 10-year life. Fire shelters do not have a shelf-life but will need to be replaced periodically, based on wear.
o 2023/24 $24,310
o 2025/26 $25,791
o 2027/28 $26,564
o 2029/30 $27,361
o 2031/32 $135,470
Funding source(s):
General Fund
Proposed: Aid Car Fund - Small Tools
124.60100.00350.52271
Alternative: Suppression - Small Tools
100.60100.00350.5222
Grant opportunities to provide funding for the purchase:
1) 2022 FEMA Assistance for Firefighters (AFG) grants open in December 2021 and will be awarded in September of 2022. The Fire Department will pursue a grant.
2) Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) offers grant funding, however that funding typically is distributed to volunteer departments and small districts. Staff will determine the feasibility of the district pursuing a grant.
A future cost sharing agreement with King County Fire District 34 would be required. Presently, nine (9) of the 25 fire suppression positions on-duty each day are within the District. Therefore, 36% of the cost per firefighter, but not including other costs associated with the administration of the fire suppression costs within the district.
Budget/Funding Constraints:
N/A
☒ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
10/19/2021 |
Committee of the Whole - Public Safety |
Approve |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
N/A |
None proposed at this time |
N/A |
Time Constraints:
Manufacturing times are lengthy, therefore, the PPE will need to be purchased now to be available for the 2022 wildland season. Due to supply-chain issues, fire shelters for emergency deployments are already on back order, and other items are expected to be delayed as well. During the winter months, many agencies compete for the purchase of this equipment.
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
Firefighters will not suppress wildland fires for more than an hour and are at significant risk of a heat emergency, burn injuries, and foot and leg injuries when not properly outfitted.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A - Wildland PPE Background